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The AB1266 TC is an audiophile-grade open-back planar magnetic headphone featuring newly designed 66 mm drivers for high resolution and clarity, with an all-aluminum frame and hand assembly in the USA.
The Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC is a high-end open-back planar headphone aimed at audiophiles seeking extreme detail retrieval, powerful dynamics, and a vast soundstage. Its demanding 88 dB sensitivity and 50-ohm impedance require a robust, high-power amplifier to deliver its full potential, while its raw tuning can be divisive and may benefit from EQ to suit individual preferences. The build is exceptionally rigid and premium, though the fit is unconventional and may not suit everyone.
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
| Driver | 66 mm planar magnetic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | planar |
| Driver size | 66 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 45 kHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB/mW |
| Driver | 66 mm planar magnetic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | planar |
| Driver size | 66 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 45 kHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB/mW |
| Active noise cancelling | No |
|---|
| Weight | 640 g |
|---|---|
| Detachable cable | Yes |
| USB-C | No |
| Connector | XLR |
| Balanced connection | Yes |
| Model code | AB1266 TC |
5 source(s) feeding this product's score.
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
Reviewers agree the Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC is a technically exceptional flagship with world-class bass, detail retrieval, and a speaker-like soundstage, but they consistently note its heavy, uncomfortable fit and demanding power requirements.
16:52The reviewer finds the Abyss AB1266 Phi TC to be a technically impressive but quirky flagship headphone. Its sound is heavily dependent on fit and positioning, with a unique bass response that can be dialed in via seal, but the overall tuning is strange, particularly in the mids, and the comfort is compromised by the heavy weight. Despite these issues, it offers a fun and engaging listening experience that stands out among other flagships.
9:24The reviewer owned the Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC for two years and initially disliked it due to dry mids, sharp treble, and recessed upper mids, but came to appreciate it with the right amplifier chain, which fixed these issues. He considers it highly resolving, with world-class bass, soundstage, and imaging, but notes it is very heavy and cumbersome, and requires expensive partnering gear to sound its best. Overall, it is an amazing headphone that would make his top five of all time, despite strong cons.
9:55The reviewer considers the Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC the best-sounding headphone they've ever heard, praising its combination of detail retrieval and musicality, along with exceptional bass and imaging. However, they note significant drawbacks including a heavy, uncomfortable fit, a complex adjustment system, and a need for powerful amplification, with some treble emphasis that can sound harsh on analytical setups.
11:11The reviewer, Grover from Upscale Audio, unboxes and evaluates the Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC, praising its exceptional dynamics, detail retrieval, and speaker-like slam, while noting it requires a powerful amplifier and has a unique, adjustable design. He considers it a top-tier, aspirational headphone for enthusiasts seeking a speaker-like experience, despite its quirks and power demands.
21:54The reviewer presents the Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC as an exceptional planar headphone that excels in low-frequency reproduction, particularly around 20 Hz, and claims it outperforms electrostatic models like the Sennheiser Orpheus in bass depth. However, the review emphasizes that these headphones require a very high-end, tube-based amplification system to reach their full potential, and the reviewer criticizes typical amplifiers for being inadequate. The overall tone is highly enthusiastic about the headphones' capabilities when paired with the described ultra-high-end setup.
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
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